New In 2014: Training For Recyclers

Every time you buy a bottle or can marked C-R-V, you pay a little extra that goes to the State of California to recycle the container.

Mark Oldfield with Cal Recycle says inspectors have found recycling centers and processing facilities routinely make errors that drain the state's C-R-V fund.

"It's not uncommon to find just the paperwork snafus or operators who are paying for material that's not part of the California Redemption Value Program. So, it's really just to make sure that everybody has the best understanding possible of what the requirements are to participate in this program.

The new training will cover old rules and regulations and some new ones. Starting two months ago, recyclers could no longer accept mixed loads of CRV and non-CRV material. And, starting the first, a person may only recycle 100 pounds of aluminum or plastic per day -considerably less than the previous 500-pound maximum.

Oldfield says the training will start with new applicants.

"One of the responsibilities of being a participant in the California Redemption Value program is to be that person, that operator on the front lines that's protecting the fund from paying out on ineligible material."

~Mark Oldfield, Cal Recycle

Existing recycling center owners must re-certify every five years, and will go through the training when they renew.

A law that extends California’s paid family leave benefit to people caring for grandchildren, grandparents, siblings and in-laws will go into effect July 1. The original law took effect on the same day 10 years ago.

California voters will decide this fall whether some low-level drug and theft offenses should be tried as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Meanwhile, the Legislature and Board of Equalization are pushing policies to help the food industry.

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Bob reports on all things northern California and Nevada. His coverage of police technology, local athletes, and the environment has won a regional Associated Press and several Edward R. Murrow awards. Read Full Bio